The system described uses frame buffers to provide digital analogues to the traditional processes of copying pencil drawings onto cels, painting them, and photographing them. The copying process is replaced by scanning the pencil drawings with a television camera and digitizing the video signal. Several image processing operations are performed on the digitized drawings to condition them for the next step, interactive painting of the drawings mediated by a computer program. The painted drawings are then combined with each other and painted backgrounds for frame by frame recording on film or video tape.